Surf tribes to gather for contest at Church

Graphics

The Gathering of the Tribes surf contest will bring surf clubs from along the California coast and beyond together this weekend at Church surf break at San Onofre State Park.

The event – now in its 21st year – is a way to have a family-friendly competition while catching up with surfers from different areas, and to build friendships with different surf tribes as far south as Coronado and as far north as San Francisco.

This year, 14 groups that are part of the Coalition of Surfing Clubs are participating, with surfers showing up from as far away as Virginia. Local clubs from Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Doheny State Beach will be competing.

It's the first of a 10-stop series this year, with surfers from 5 to 75. There are various categories, including longboard, shortboard, tandem and stand-up paddle, which was added four years ago.

“It helps build the sport of surfing in a family environment,” said organizer Mark Calkins. “It's promoting surfing in a positive way. Some of the clubs have school scholarships. It's about making the surfing image untarnished. It's a great chance for the younger kids to get involved, who may turn pro some day.”

There are a few top pros who compete, such as longboard world champion Taylor Jensen and three-time longboard champion Josh Baxter of San Clemente. Joel Tudor has competed in the past two events, but it's unclear if he will be surfing this year.

“You have some of these older pros who now have kids, and they are now getting their kids involved,” said Calkins.

“It's a way to be united and see your friends from north and south. There's a great spirit about the event,” Calkins said.

Surf today is expected to be in the chest-high-to-waist-high range – perfect for longboarders and stand-up paddlers. But conditions could make it tough for shortboarders.

After this event, the next stops in the series are Santa Cruz, then Malibu in summer and San Diego next fall.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.